mel@mtuxo.UUCP (m.haas) (07/27/85)
(6th in a series of articles about adoption, particularly adoption of an "older" child from Korea) David has been with us almost 3 months now and is adjusting very well. He understands all the English a 7 yr old requires to get along, and is starting to speak in complete sentences. He finished up the 1st grade and will be ready for 2nd next fall. He sees a tutor several times a week over the summer, and he will probably have to start out in 1st grade language arts with help from an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. His math skills are minimal, but we can drill on those before fall. He picks things up very fast, is very well coordinated, mechanically inclined, and reasonably athletic. He tools all around our pool with great enthusiasm and no fear, and races up and down the block on his bike with little regard for brakes. David is a marvel at making things out of paper and clay. He loves legos and construction toys, but isn't much interested in games. He is quite independent and likes to do things for himself (particularly cooking soup and frying eggs). He wants things HIS way. This has led to some temper tantrums, crying, and a few spankings - but most of the time he takes the world in stride with a huge grin on his round face. The older kids complain that he is a "pain" (and he does intrude on their space and activities), but they adore him and spoil him rotten. He continues to be a cheery, affectionate, impish joy to have around.